In an exciting new initiative, the School District of Lancaster partnered with Illuminated Integration to host the inaugural Tech Spotlight event from September 26 to September 28. The free educational event was designed for high school students and staff interested in production and performance technologies, giving them a hands-on opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements in audio, video, lighting (AVL), and related fields.
The event brought together 64 students from various schools, including SDoL, Hempfield, Columbia Borough, Penn Manor, Bermudian Springs, and Conestoga Valley. Students actively involved in theater, music, and performing arts were invited to participate, with the goal of providing them a deeper understanding of AVL technologies and potential career paths.
Throughout Tech Spotlight, attendees engaged in various learning experiences. They explored the latest technologies through a mini trade show featuring 12 manufacturers, attended micro-sessions for quick impactful learning, and participated in in-depth sessions led by industry professionals. Topics covered included acoustics, lighting design for auditoriums, and the intricacies of sound console operations.
Sam Kochenberger, SDoL’s AV Supervisor, explained the importance of bridging technology with curriculum and community engagement. “What we’re doing is providing engaging AVL opportunities for our students, as well as for students around Lancaster County,” Kochenberger shared. “Working with Illuminated Integration, we’ve brought vendors and professionals into our building to have meaningful conversations with students. Our goal is to expose students to the world of technology and how it can lead to future careers in performance production.”
Illuminated Integration, a key partner for SDoL, brought its expertise to the forefront, showcasing its work in integrating AVL systems for schools, including projects at East Auditorium and the upcoming work at JP McCaskey. The company’s mission is to craft captivating user experiences, and Tech Spotlight embodied that mission by allowing students to interact directly with industry professionals, explore new technologies, and envision future careers. They were instrumental in connecting students with technology professionals.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Kochenberger shared the vision for the future: “We’re looking to expand this event, hopefully involving 100 to 200 students in the coming years. Our aim is to make SDoL a hub for bridging technology and curriculum, offering more opportunities for students to explore the intersection of arts and technology.”
With plans to make Tech Spotlight an annual event, the collaboration between SDoL and Illuminated Integration sets the stage for future growth, innovation, and inspiration for students passionate about the technical side of performance and production.